Page 81 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 2

“Why can’t I let him go?” she whispered.

“‘The heart has reasons that reason knows not,’” Peter quoted softly. “Maybe you’re not supposed to.”

Anna sniffed. “He’s dead.”

Peter hugged her tightly. “Go back to sleep. You have a busy day tomorrow.”

Chapter 46

The following week was a whirlwind of performances that captivated audiences each night. Critics marveled at Anna’s portrayal of Giselle, noting how she “effortlessly embodied the character’s depth with each movement.” One review praised her performance as “a testament to the raw talent and depth she brings to the stage.” Every night, the theater was packed, with some audience members admitting they were seeing the performance for the second time.

“Your parents would be so proud Anna,” Isaak said after class Sunday morning. The show would close that night after nine days of performances.

“Thank you, Isaak.” She glanced at Peter, who stood near the side of the stage, frowning at his phone.

Devin appeared on the opposite side of the stage and walked toward Peter. Her Master’s face was inscrutable, but that didn’t stop the terror from coursing through Anna’s body at the sight of Devin walking into her rehearsal. What had she done wrong now?

Peter noticed Devin’s approach and the older man paused. There was a moment of unspoken communication between them and then Peter nodded and followed Devin to where Anna watched both of them from the back of the stage.

Her heart pounded as they stopped in front of her. Why was Devin here? He never came to rehearsals. She looked at Peter. “What’s wrong?”

Peter glanced at Devin, who nodded. “Anna, my dedushka is dead. He died this morning.” He looked at her sadly. “I have to return to St. Petersburg,” he added softly.

Anna’s heart fell as she realized the full implication of his words. Vitaly was dead. Peter would become Elder-Son. Those duties would override Devin’s need for him to be in San Francisco to watch her. “N-now?”

He shook his head. “I’ll fly out in the morning. I won’t leave until we’re done here.” Peter sighed. “I just need to book a flight.”

“We’re leaving at eight-thirty tomorrow. If you’d like, I can have Ian book you on the same flight.”

Peter looked at Devin in surprise. “Yes, that would be fine. Thank you.”

“You’re going too?” Would she be alone? Was that such a bad thing?

“As are you, Anna. This is—‍” Devin glanced briefly at Isaak. “A funeral of an important man. And Vitaly was a friend. I don’t travel without you, you know that.”

Isaak nodded to Peter. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Peter.”

“Thank you, Isaak. I trust you know what this means?”

Isaak nodded and smiled sadly. “I’m glad you got to dance Giselle with Anna. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect pairing. You will be missed.” They shook hands, and then Isaak turned and walked away.

Devin looked pointedly at Anna, and then at Peter. “We will pick you up at six tomorrow morning.” He glanced at Anna. “We will discuss your living arrangements later.”

“Yes, Devin.”

Devin gave a curt nod to Peter and then turned and strode away.

Anna looked at Peter. “I’m so sorry he’s gone, Peter.”

“Dedushka and I were not close, but I will miss him. I more regret having to leave you. I will miss you terribly.” He pulled her close. “At least we can travel together. We don’t have to say goodbye just yet.”

During the performance that night, Anna poured her soul into every step, her movements resonating with an intensified emotional depth. The death scene and the second act evoked a torrent of emotions, and she struggled to keep her tears at bay. Each pirouette and every graceful gesture became a farewell—a poignant adieu to her love conveyed through the language of dance.

She found a small comfort knowing that in sharing this goodbye with Peter, there would be a semblance of closure to their relationship.

“My mom will come up and pack the rest of my stuff,” Peter said as they were packing for the trip to St. Petersburg late Sunday night after the performance. “You’re welcome to stay here until the lease is up.”

They’d just signed another year lease a few weeks ago. Anna swallowed and bit her lip. “I don’t know what Devin will want me to do. Thank you, though.” She didn’t know if she wanted to stay, but it wasn’t up to her. It was up to Devin.

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